European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
-
To present a rare case of multiple compressive thoracic intradural cysts with pathologic arachnoid ossification, review the literature and present the surgical options. Few reports have identified the existence of arachnoid calcifications and intrathecal cysts causing progressive myelopathy. The literature regarding each of these pathologies is limited to case reports. Their clinical significance is not well studied, although known to cause neurologic sequelae. ⋯ On last examination, the patient's neurologic status had not improved, but had stabilized. The rate of neurologic improvement from excision and decompression is variable, but it may still be warranted in the face of progressive neurologic deficits.
-
We present a unique variant of C1 fracture, which, at the best of our knowledge, has never been previously reported. This lesion consists in a lateral mass atlas fracture with a longitudinal separation of the transverse ligament that remains functionally preserved. ⋯ Even if many classifications of atlas fractures have been proposed, none of them ever described this uncommon variant. We debate about biomechanical aspects and therapeutic implication of the reported case.
-
Erysipelas is an animal disease caused by Gram-positive bacteria Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Among the domestic animals, domestic pig (Sus scrofa f. domestica) suffers most frequently from the disease in human environment. This is a typical animal-borne disease observed mainly in occupational groups employed in agriculture, farming (of animals and birds), fishing and manufacturing industry. ⋯ Various complications of the disease, such as endocarditis and heart valves disturbances, are well known and are the most severe complications of the generalised infection. Proper targeted and long-term antibiotic therapy is crucial.
-
Intracranial haemorrhage is a rare complication of spinal surgery. Three cases of cerebral or cerebellar haemorrhages following spinal operations with CSF loss are reported, and the literature was reviewed. ⋯ The dangerous complication of intracranial haemorrhage has to be kept in mind when patients have moderate cerebral symptoms after CSF loss due to spinal operations.
-
Despite the advantages of modern instrumentation techniques, the treatment of severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis could be very demanding. Traction can provide better, safer correction and minimize complications related to forceful intra-operative maneuvers; however, several side effects are associated with prolonged periods of traction. The aim of this work is to review the clinical and radiographic results of limited perioperative halo-gravity traction in severe rigid curves analyzing its efficacy, advantages and possible complications and comparing it to classic two staged corrections performed without traction. ⋯ Limited halo-gravity traction is an efficient, safe modality in the treatment of severe rigid adolescent scoliosis. The application of gradual traction over a limited period of 2 weeks led to better correction, shorter operative time with no significant complications.